Iran has accused Israel of attempting to sabotage negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief, claimed that Israel is seeking to “destabilise the region” after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Larijani stated: “Our negotiations are exclusively with the United States – we are not engaged in any talks with Israel. However, Israel has inserted itself into this process, with their intent on undermining and sabotaging these negotiations.” He added that Israel’s agenda “extends beyond its alleged concerns about Iran” and warned regional leaders to “be aware of this.”
Netanyahu has reportedly urged Trump to impose the strictest possible terms in any agreement with Tehran. Following their meeting, Trump said no “definitive” agreement was reached but insisted talks would continue. Netanyahu’s office emphasised that the prime minister raised Israel’s security needs and that both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination.
Trump has threatened strikes on Iran if no deal is reached, while Tehran has vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a wider war as the US amasses forces in the Middle East. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is “not seeking nuclear weapons” and is open to verification, but cited a “high wall of mistrust” created by the US and Europe.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, involved in the talks, noted flexibility from both sides. He told the Financial Times: “It is positive that the Americans appear willing to tolerate Iranian enrichment within clearly set boundaries. The Iranians now recognise that they need to reach a deal with the Americans.”
